The Just Tryna Make Friends Show was initially founded in February 2019 by friends Julie Roland and Emilia Barrosse, who had met as strangers hiking in Joshua Tree National Park, and wanted to create a space where others would feel more comfortable introducing themselves to strangers with the intention of making friends. In their first year of producing the show, they put on 28 shows in San Diego, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco. Though COVID-19 took their momentum to an abrupt stop, Julie was able to bring JTMF back to her backyard in May of 2021. In fact, following the pandemic, it was clear that people needed community more than ever. At JTMF, building community is the message, and an arts show is the medium.

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This backyard show has featured magic, music (from opera to soul), comedy (sketch, improv, standup), photography, paintings, cartoons, bubbles, fire sword dancing, crochet, homemade candles, jewelry, puppets, and more. JTMF strives to create a stage where everyone feels safe sharing their art, in the hope that this kind of environment will lead to a stronger community full of genuine friendships.